The Jewish community of Leipzig was headed by Rabbi Ephraim of the famous
Frankfurt Carlebach dynasty. Dora (Weiss) was raised in an orthodox
household, her father being one of the well-known dignitaries of the
community....

"On
Friday evening, while the men attended prayers at the synagogue, the
women would prepare for the festive Shabbat meal. Upon returning from
the synagogue, the father would say the blessings over the challah
(Shabbat plaited bread) that the mother had prepared (she would make the
challah herself and take it to be baked at a proper bakery). From the
Shabbat table emanated zemirot (Shabbat table songs), which were sung
merrily by all members of the family.

On
Shabbat morning they wore their best clothes to synagogue, returning
home in groups for lunch, for the rich, aromatic cholent (meat and
potato stew) that the mothers had prepared the day before. The circle of
friends and acquaintances was comprised of orthodox Jews, of course, who
would later congregate and relish the sanctity of the day over a relaxed
conversation. The children would play amongst themselves in their rooms
or outside, in the garden."
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